Conrath, Frederick John & Sons

North Audley Street, London; upholsterers (fl.1851-1882)

The Furniture Gazette, 16 September 1882, published an obituary of F. J. Conrath. 'Conrath [was] one of the earliest introducers of the inlaid marquetrie furniture into this country, 40-50 years ago, and his work was currently in the hands of many noble families'. The firm had a letter from the Prince Consort written before the 1851 Exhibition that praised the excellent marquetry of Conrath’s work submitted for inspection.

Conrath retired from the firm c.1875, died in 1882 and was buried at Hampstead Cemetery on 6 September 1882. The family business was continued by his two sons under the same title.  

Listed in Kelly’s Post Office Directory 1871 at 40 North Audley Street. By 1882 they had moved to 15 North Audley Street. They displayed the 'Grosvenor' drawing room suite in American walnut and a 'Moresque' drawing room suite at the 2nd Furniture Exhibition, Agricultural Hall, London, 1882 [The Furniture Gazette, 13 May 1882]. 

The Furniture Gazette recorded several other exhibitions in which they participated:

• The Melbourne International Exhibition [11 December 1880 & 16 April 1881]
• The 3rd Furniture Trades Exhibition in 1883 [31 March 1883]